The Square Triangle

Originally Aired: November 15, 1959

Gunsmoke #397, "The Square Triangle," presents a tale of deadly temptation when Marshal Matt Dillon warns Red Lawson about the dangerous allure of Ava Morley, a married woman whose past admirers ended up in a fatal gunfight. Lawson dismisses the warning, insisting he's no fool like the others. When Matt encounters Ava prowling Front Street after midnight looking for Lawson, he sends her home and fears the worst. His concerns prove justified when Jesse Wells, a young bartender, arrives at Matt's door with grim news: Al Morley has been knifed in the back at their cattle-buying camp near Buffalo Fletch, and Red Lawson has fled with ten thousand dollars.

Matt and Chester pursue Lawson, tracking him to a water stop where the fugitive waits to board the eastbound train. When Matt confronts him, Lawson refuses to surrender, forcing a gunfight that leaves him mortally wounded. As Doc Adams examines the dying man, Matt reflects grimly on how Lawson became just another fool destroyed by his attraction to Ava Morley, despite the marshal's warnings about the mournful nature of certain kinds of love.

Welcome to Gunsmoke: Old West Stories, a podcast that takes you back to the rugged plains of 1870s Dodge City, Kansas. Rediscover the timeless tales of bravery, justice, and survival in the American frontier with our re-broadcasts of the classic Gunsmoke radio program.

First airing on April 26, 1952, Gunsmoke was celebrated as the first adult western radio show, renowned for its superb storytelling and exceptional production quality. Join Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by the incomparable William Conrad, as he faces the challenges of maintaining law and order in a tumultuous town. Alongside him are unforgettable characters like Chester Proudfoot (Parley Baer), the steadfast deputy; Kitty (Georgia Ellis), the resilient saloon owner; and Doc Adams (Howard McNear), the town’s compassionate physician.

What sets Gunsmoke apart is not just its stellar cast and engaging plots but the immersive sound effects that bring each scene to life. Every gunshot, horse gallop, and whisper of the wind transports you directly to the heart of the Old West.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, Gunsmoke: Old West Stories promises to deliver gripping adventures and a nostalgic journey through one of radio’s most iconic series. Tune in and let the legends of Dodge City captivate your imagination.